Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde

Themes

Duality

• The primary theme of the novel is the duality of human nature, highlighting the idea that every individual possesses both good and evil within them.
• Stevenson explores this duality through Dr. Jekyll's experiment, demonstrating that one's behaviour and choices determine their moral character.
• Dr. Jekyll symbolises the good side of human nature, while Mr. Hyde represents the evil side.
• The tipping point in the story occurs when Hyde murders Sir Danvers Carew, illustrating the triumph of evil over good and Jekyll's loss of control over the opposing sides of his nature.
• The novel ultimately conveys that these opposing sides are interdependent to some extent, challenging the possibility of complete separation.

Science, Nature, and the Supernatural

• The novel explores the contrasting views of science held by Dr. Jekyll and Dr. Lanyon, both of whom are scientists.
• Lanyon dismisses Jekyll's work as "unscientific balderdash", leading to their disagreement and estrangement.
• Jekyll's fascination with the mystery of human nature aligns more with philosophy and religion than conventional science.
• Jekyll's ideas reflect the early stage of the study of psychology at the time the novel was written, blurring the lines between science and the supernatural.

The Law and the Unknown

• Mr. Utterson, a lawyer, embodies the standards of society and the law. He lacks the imagination to comprehend Jekyll's actions.

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Prose

• Despite being old friends, Jekyll cannot confide in Utterson because he believes that Utterson would not understand.

• Utterson's profession as a lawyer leads him to be suspicious of Jekyll's situation, often suspecting blackmail or criminal motives.

• Utterson's ultimate failure to understand the situation reflects the law's limitations in dealing with novel and unexplained events, highlighting the inability of established legal systems to address unknown problems effectively.

• The novel's structure underscores this failure, as Utterson and the police, who represent the law, disappear from the narrative, unable to deal with the enigmatic events Jekyll has unleashed.